Flash Floods in Issyk-Kul Damage Bridge, Roads; Tourists Stranded

Torrential rains in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region have caused significant damage, washing out a bridge and sections of roads. The downpour on July 21 led to a rapid rise in the Kayindy River in the Ak-Suu district's Syrt valley. A wooden bridge over the river was swept away, stranding eight foreign tourists and four cars in a mountain pasture.

These foreign nationals were temporarily sheltered in a local shepherd's home. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Emergency personnel from the Ak-Suu district's Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) and civil defense services responded to the scene.

Further downstream in the Tong district, floodwaters inundated a portion of the Balykchy-Bokonbaev-Barskoon highway. The MES deployed an operational team, an excavator, and six dump trucks to clear the debris and restore traffic flow, which has since been re-established.

In the Jeti-Oguz district, near the village of Konyr-Olon, another section of the Balykchy-Bokonbaev-Karakol highway was affected. Overflowing culverts sent water onto the roadway, washing away approximately 10 meters of the road surface. MES employees quickly ensured vehicles could pass, implementing alternating traffic flow. Recovery efforts, including the use of an excavator, loader, and dump trucks, are ongoing, but traffic has not been halted.